Nintendo Dominates Japanese Sales Charts, "Mario Kart World" Leads Software and Switch 2 Tops Hardware

08/22/2025

The latest Japanese sales figures, compiled by Famitsu, paint a vivid picture of Nintendo's ongoing dominance in the gaming market. Over a two-week period spanning August 4th to 17th, the company's Switch 2 console and its flagship racing title, \"Mario Kart World,\" have showcased unparalleled performance, solidifying Nintendo's stronghold. The remarkable sales demonstrate a robust consumer appetite for Nintendo's offerings, far surpassing competitors in both hardware and software categories.

This period also highlights a significant milestone for the Switch 2, as it edges closer to the two million lifetime sales mark, a testament to its rapid adoption since launch. The synergy between the console's popularity and the strong appeal of its exclusive game titles has created a powerful market dynamic, leaving rival platforms struggling to keep pace.

\"Mario Kart World\" Leads Software Sales

\"Mario Kart World,\" a standout launch title for the Switch 2, has asserted its market dominance by achieving exceptional sales figures. During the fortnight from August 4th to 17th, an additional 144,911 copies of the game were sold. This impressive performance is more than double the sales of its nearest competitor, \"Donkey Kong Bananza,\" which also debuted on the Switch 2. The game's overwhelming success underscores its enduring appeal and its crucial role in driving console sales.

Beyond the top two, the software chart reveals a competitive landscape. SEGA's \"Demon Slayer\" title maintained its strong position in third place, while both the Switch 1 and Switch 2 versions of \"Super Mario Party Jamboree\" secured spots within the top ten. Konami's new release, \"Gradius Origins,\" also made a notable entry at sixth place, indicating a diverse range of popular titles captivating Japanese gamers during this period.

Switch 2 Continues Hardware Reign

In the hardware sector, the Nintendo Switch 2 has extended its impressive market leadership. During the analyzed two-week interval, the console recorded an additional 179,641 unit sales, bringing its cumulative sales total to a remarkable 1,856,764 units. This trajectory suggests that the Switch 2 is on the cusp of reaching the significant two million unit milestone, reinforcing its status as the console of choice for Japanese consumers.

While the Switch 2 leads, older Nintendo Switch models collectively contributed a substantial 37,346 units to the total hardware sales, demonstrating continued consumer interest in the broader Switch ecosystem. In contrast, the various PlayStation 5 models combined sold 17,131 units, highlighting Nintendo's commanding advantage in the Japanese console market. The robust sales across both current and previous generation Nintendo systems underscore the brand's pervasive influence and strong consumer loyalty in the region.